The diet for gastroesophageal reflux should be balanced and varied, it is important to include fruits, vegetables and white meats, in addition to recommend avoiding foods that are difficult to digest or cause stomach irritation, such as fried and peppered, for example. .
Reflux occurs when stomach acid rises in the esophagus, especially after meals, causing symptoms such as burns, swallowing pain, and regurgitation. Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease is primarily a change in eating habits, however, in some cases, your doctor may recommend the use of certain medications if necessary. Understand how reflux treatment is performed.
- Foods consumed directly influence the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
- So removing foods that increase acid concentration helps improve symptoms in some people.
It is important to mention that foods that aggravate reflux symptoms can vary from person to person, it is important to identify what these foods are and thus avoid their consumption. Foods that may worsen symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux include:
In addition, in some people, especially those who also have esophagitis, citrus fruits such as orange, pineapple, lemon and tomato can cause pain and discomfort, and it is important to avoid these foods in these cases.
Some people may also feel bad about eating foods that contain onions and garlic or eating high-fat fruits like avocado and coconut, so it’s important to monitor your tolerance.
Foods to include in the diet are fruits and vegetables, and it is also advisable to focus on eating low-fat meats, such as chicken and turkey without skin, as well as fish and egg whites. Dairy products and their derivatives should be skinated and white cheeses such as ricotta and cottage cheese are recommended. It is also possible to consume bread, rice, bananas, pastas, potatoes and beans without any contraindication.
Good fats derived from olive oil and seeds can be eaten in small portions. In addition, it is possible to include ginger in the preparation of meals or in the form of tea, as it has anti-inflammatory properties, improving symptoms related to gastric emptying.
It is also recommended to drink chamomile tea as it improves symptoms of poor digestion and has a calming and relaxing effect on the stomach, alleviating acidity and reflux.
The following table shows an example of a 3-day reflux diet menu
The amounts included in the menu may vary depending on age, gender, physical activity and whether or not the person has another disease, so it is recommended to go to the nutritionist so that the diet adapts to individual needs.
When your diet and medications don’t relieve reflux symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to strengthen your pyloric sphincter and prevent gastric juices from returning to your esophagus. Understand how reflux surgery is performed.
In addition to feeding, it is important to maintain a number of precautions to avoid reflux, such as:
In addition, it is also important to quit smoking and reduce stress, as both are factors that increase the risk of reflux. Here are some tips for treating reflux naturally: